The US team, holding the title of defending champions, dominated their quarterfinal match against France this past Tuesday at the Paris Paralympics. This impressive win ensures their place in the semifinals, alongside Canada, Germany, and Great Britain. The Americans took down the host country 82-47, meaning their next opponent will be Canada, while Great Britain is set to clash with their European rivals, Germany. The semi-finals will take place on Thursday, September 5, and the bronze medal match will follow two days later. This matchup was a big deal, mirroring the Olympic men's basketball final from just a month prior. The Bercy Arena was packed to capacity, with a passionate French crowd singing their anthem and roaring with every point scored by the home team early on. Although France fought hard in the first two quarters, the US held a 14-point lead by halftime. In the third quarter, the Americans found their groove, led by the standout duo of Brian Bell and Jake Williams, and quickly pulled away. By the start of the final quarter, the US led 68-37, effectively silencing the crowd. Despite the noise, the US stayed composed and limited France to a mere 36% shooting accuracy. Steve Serio contributed 13 points, shooting 43%, but it was the younger stars who really stole the show. Jake Williams was phenomenal with 23 points and 10 assists, while Brian Bell added 20 points and 14 rebounds. Both are seasoned two-time Paralympians, supported by newer talents like Jorge Salazar, who chipped in 13 points. For France, Christophe Carlier was the top scorer with 11 points. Reflecting on the experience, Serio praised the Parisian fans for their incredible support, calling the arena one of the most exciting environments he's ever played in. He mentioned that he is learning to appreciate the present moment more than he used to, noting that he feels a bit envious of the athletes who will get to compete in
breeze past France in the wheelchair basketball quarterfinals at the Paralympics
in Paris on Tuesday. With a remarkable win, the wheelchair basketball
powerhouse secured its spot in the last four, alongside rivals Great Britain,
Germany, and Canada.
The Americans defeated the Paralympic Games’ host nation 82-47 to set up a
semi-final clash against Canada. Meanwhile, Britain will play their European rival
Germany. Both the semi-finals will be played on September 5, Thursday, while the
bronze medal match is scheduled to take place two days later.
The highly anticipated matchup between the United States and France—a
rematch of the men's basketball championship from last month at the
Olympics—marked the culmination of the day's events. Similar to the Olympic
games, the Bercy Arena was packed from the start, with spectators singing the
French national song and loudly applauding each basket their side made in the
opening quarter.
Despite valiant efforts from the Frenchmen in the first two quarters, the United
States went into halftime with a lead of 14 points. At the start of the third
quarter, the champions, led by the outstanding Jake Williams and Brian Bell,
continued with their rhythm and quickly built a commanding lead. By the
beginning of the fourth quarter, the Americans were ahead 68-37 and had
successfully lowered the noise level inside the arena.
Ignoring the boisterous French audience, the Americans never fell behind and
held France to just 36 percent shooting. Steve Serio scored 13 points on 43% of
his field goal attempts. It was Serio's younger counterparts who took center stage
in the Paris Games. Williams scorched the court with 23 points and 10 assists,
while Bell scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. They are both two-time
Paralympians, with newcomers like 13-point scorer Jorge Salazar in their wake.
Christophe Carlier led France by scoring 11 points.
I want to thank the people of Paris for coming out and supporting Paralympic
athletes. That arena was one of the most fun arenas I've ever played in. I've taken
the time to appreciate living in the moment a little bit more than I have in the
past, Serio said. I'm very jealous that those athletes get a chance to compete in
L.A. in the future. Serio expressed a strong desire to play on his own home turf, though he noted it is a privilege to play alongside his teammates and witness their growth during these Games. He remarked that every Paralympics has a unique vibe and emphasized how meaningful it is to have family and friends in the crowd, something the team doesn't take for granted. Serio, a veteran of four Paralympic Games with two golds and a bronze to his name, spoke warmly of the honor of playing before his loved ones. Earlier that day, Great Britain—who took bronze in Tokyo 2020—advanced to the final four after beating Australia 84-64. The British effort was led by Gregg Warburton, Lee Manning, and Ben Fox, all of whom scored over 20 points. Manning admitted the match was nerve-wracking, noting that quarterfinals are always the most tense because a single loss ends the tournament. However, he expressed immense pride and confidence in the team's ability to push further in the competition.
with them and to watch them grow throughout these Paralympics, he added.
Every Paralympic Games has its own personality. This is the chance for friends and
family to be in the stands and share this moment with us, and we're not taking it
for granted. It's been a real honor to play in front of them, Serio expressed. The
star player has won two gold medals and a bronze over his four Paralympic
Games.
Earlier in the day, Tokyo 2020 bronze medalists Britain defeated Australia to seal
their place in the final four. Ben Fox, Lee Manning, and Gregg Warburton all
scored more than 20 points apiece as Britain won the game 84-64.
It was a bit nervy. I always find the quarterfinals the ones that bring the nerves
and the excitement; if you lose, you're out, said Manning. I'm really happy, proud,
and privileged to be in the semi-final. There is a lot of confidence in the group,
and we'll see where it takes us, he added.